Former hospital, now flatsInterior of the new hospital
The facility has its origins in an infirmary built for the Wharfedale Union Workhouse on the Newall Carr Road in 1873.[1][2] An infirmary with 70 beds was added in 1907 and was administered by the Wharfedale Board of Guardians until 1930.[1] It went on to become the Otley County Institution and then became Otley County Hospital.[1]
The facility joined the National Health Service as Otley County Hospital in 1948 and later became Wharfedale General Hospital.[1] In the 1990s it became clear the existing building was unsuitable for purpose. A new hospital was commissioned and the old site redeveloped into an estate called Wharfedale Park, with many of the original buildings being converted into flats.[3]
The new hospital, located just to the west of the old facility, was officially opened by the Princess Royal on 26 January 2005.[4] The local Member of Parliament, Harold Best, was involved in securing the location of the hospital.[5]
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